Free and cheap things to do in Charlotte this weekendSundown Sounds: Free Concert Series in Meck County ParksWin $50 for Charlotte Warehouse Sale June 3-11Crossroads Cinema: Free Outdoor Movies at Camp North End All Summer5 low-priced summer movie programs for kids in Charlotte areaNational Trails Day June 3 — guided hikes, bike rides, more…Best Outdoor Toys This SummerUpcoming Free and Cheap Things to Do in the Lake Norman AreaNew Contest for Mermaid event at SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord: Win gift bag with tickets and mermaid swag!15 Summer Break kickoff celebrations with Charlotte Mecklenburg LibraryIndian Trail’s Family Fun Day June 3 — free rides, fireworks, vendors, more…Free Non-Certified CPR Classes from Kannapolis Fire13 Juneteenth celebrations in Charlotte area in 2023, including Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas13 ways to get out on the water if you don’t own a boat — kayaking, canoeing, more…Top Gun family movie night at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, and moreFree Collective Soul Concerts in Kannapolis (and much more)Garden Nights at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden: Free admission and bonus entertainment5 Summer reading programs where kids can earn prizesRiver Jam at U.S. National Whitewater CenterBluegrass Jam, and more, at Birdsong BrewingNational Donut Day 2023 — where to get free donuts June 2Tango Thursdays in Uptown and Plaza MidwoodFree and cheap things to do in Charlotte this weekFood Trucks and outdoor movie nights at The Green at Prosperity VillageCountry Music Nights at RSVP South End — live music, free line dancing classes, more…Music at the Met on Thursdays through SeptemberHavana Night in the Boileryard at Camp North End June 3Winners announced! Invite a Friend to Subscribe to Charlotte on the Cheap and you could each win a $50 gift cardTaste of Charlotte returns to Tryon Street June 9-11LangTree Live: free music series in MooresvilleLive Under the Oaks free concert series at Birkdale VillageFree shows by Carolina Show Ski Team on Fridays Starting June 2Charlotte Spring Carnival June 1-11Fourth Annual Lavender Bloom Festival at Dallas Lavender Lane, with U-pick lavender June 3-48th Annual Fire Party at Haylo Healing Arts Lounge June 24Cornelius 2023 Outdoor Cinema SeriesWhere to swim, splash and take swim lessons in Charlotte — outdoor pools open Memorial Day WeekendEmpanada Fest at Camp North End rescheduled to June 3Live After Five Outdoor Concert Series at Old Town Public House in CorneliusField Day at Petty Thieves Brewing Co. (and more)4 Food Truck Fridays this week — where to find your favorite food truckFree museum admission first weekend of month for Bank of America/Merrill customersVAPA Center: Open Studio Saturday and Summer Concert SeriesBlack Food Truck Friday Summer SeriesTaco Fest Carolinas June 3Weekend-long 3.5-year anniversary celebration at Devil’s Logic BrewingJoe/Joey/JoJo, etc. get a free ticket to the Charlotte Knights game June 4
Looking for things to do in Charlotte this weekend? You came to the right place! This list contains free and cheap things to do from Friday to Sunday (or Monday if it’s a holiday weekend.) You’ll find festivals, live music and dance, kids’ activities, organized hikes, seasonal activities, learning opportunities and so much... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend •
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation has announced Sundown Sounds, a FREE concert series that will take place at parks throughout Mecklenburg County. Do you love outdoor concerts? They’re not just for summer! Make sure to check out HUGE day-by-day list of outdoor concerts around Charlotte. Most are free. You can pack your own picnic... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend •
Charlotte on the Cheap readers have loved Charlotte Warehouse Sale for years, and for good reason!. Several times a year, fashion lovers have the chance to shop for new, name-brand clothing and accessories, at 65% to 90% off retail prices. Charlotte Warehouse Sale’s “Step into Summer” sales event takes place June 3-11, 2023, at... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • Camp North End, 300 Camp Road, Charlotte, NC, is hosting free outdoor 80s and 90s movies all summer — every Thursday from June 1 to August 31, 2023. Crossroads Cinema feature movies on a jumbo screen with surround sound against the backdrop of the Historic Ford Building. The event will start at 7 p.m., so you’ll have time to claim... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • Looking for affordable indoor summer movies in Charlotte, NC? Treat your kids to a delightful cinematic experience without breaking the bank. Explore this list of low-priced films showing in various theaters on weekdays this summer. From animated adventures to family-friendly blockbusters, find the perfect movie to beat the summer heat and... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend •
Be a part of our region’s largest celebrations of trails and the outdoors! On Saturday, June 3, 2023, Carolina Thread Trail is spreading the National Trails Day fun across North Carolina and South Carolina with a variety of FREE guided hikes and bike rides throughout the day in multiple locations. Programs start as early as 9 a.m. and... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • Summer is almost here, and with it comes the challenge of keeping kids entertained and busy while avoiding breaking the bank. Not to mention cooling down from the inevitable summer heat! Luckily, there are plenty of fun and affordable options for outdoor play that can be enjoyed at home and in the neighborhood. Many of these toys are perfect for... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • Jetton Park. Photo by Mace Publishing, LLCLake Norman friends, this is for you! If you’re having trouble digging through the mountains of events on Charlotte on the Cheap’s Event Calendar to find things happening near you, you’ll want to bookmark this page. This list will be automatically updated with all the events on... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend •
UPDATE: The contest for 4-packs of tickets has ended! The winners have been emailed. Congratulations, Theresa G. and Melody K. But read on, because there is another contest now! This one will be for a Mermaid gift bag, including 4 tickets, a plush mermaid, a bubble wand, mermaid hair accessories and more! Meet a live Mermaid @ SEA LIFE... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s Summer Break program encourages kids, teens and adults to read and stay active over the summer. Everyone who signs up receives a coupon for a Wendy’s Jr. Frosty and a Charlotte FC sticker, and participants who complete the program will receive a prize. Read all about the Summer Break program and 4... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend •
Indian Trail is holding its annual Family Fun Day on Saturday, June 3, from 2 to 9:30 p.m., at Crooked Creek Park, 5900 Oakwood Lane, Indian Trail. Find all the best (and cheapest) kids’ activities on our list of upcoming kids’ events in Charlotte! This is Indian Trail’s biggest family event of the year. This event... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • Photo courtesy of Kannapolis FireThe Kannapolis Fire Department is offering non-certified CPR classes in June. Each class is only two hours and free to the public. Kannapolis Fire’s goal is to train 200 people in our community to do CPR in 2023. Two classes will be offered: 3:30-5:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 3, 2023, and 3:30-5:30 p.m. on... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend •
Juneteenth is a celebration of the end of the enslavement of African-American people in the United States. It marks the day, June 19, 1865, when the Emancipation Proclamation (which had been issued on January 1st, 1863) was finally read to enslaved African-Americans in Texas. It took more than two years for word of freedom to get to... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • Spring is here and the water is calling. There’s nothing better than to be out on a boat in the spring and summer summer, whether the boat is a kayak, a pontoon, a pedal boat or something in between. But what if you don’t own a boat? There are still several opportunities for enjoying a float or a paddle on a river or a lake. Read... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend •
Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, 4150 Yancey Road, hosts events throughout the year. Find them all on OMB’s Facebook page. Coming UpFamily Movie Night ft. Top Gun
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
7 p.m.
Free Bring your own chair. Play vintage arcade games, rock out to classic ’80s tunes, and enjoy the movie! Recurring Events... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • Kannapolis’ Summer Entertainment Series 2023 includes a diverse lineup of music, fun family movies in both English and Spanish, and children’s entertainment. These are all free events. One of the concerts is followed by fireworks. While you’re in Kannapolis make sure to explore the city, especially the beautifully revitalized... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • On select Thursday evenings this summer, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden will offer FREE admission from 4 to 9 p.m. At Garden Nights you can enjoy the Garden in the evening hours. Savor a beverage from one of the Garden’s bars while you stroll around the garden. There will also be food trucks and additional entertainment, either music or a... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • Photo: depositphotosSummer reading programs can help to keep kids learning and growing through the summer. And without the pressure of school assignments, they have the freedom to explore their own interests through literature. Here are several reading programs that encourage kids to keep reading, and some even offer prizes and rewards. New... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • Photo: Mace Publishing LLCThe U.S. National Whitewater River Center’s popular River Jams are free concerts take place every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening in the warm months. The Whitewater Center is at 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, North Carolina. The concerts place Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from May to... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend •
Birdsong Brewing Co., at 1016 North Davidson Street, frequently hosts live music and other events. There’s no cover. You can always verify their schedule on their website or on their Facebook page.
Birdsong Brewing was founded in 2011 and is part of Charlotte’s growing craft beer community. If you have questions about their... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • Friday, June 2nd, 2023, is National Donut Day. And, of course you can celebrate with free donuts and some special donut deals. Read on for some special offers from both national chains and local donut shops. We have a big day-by-day list of food, drink and restaurant deals in the Charlotte area, so if you’re feeling hungry, check it out!... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • Tango CLT’s mission is to make Argentine Tango accessible to the Charlotte community, through classes, social dances and concerts. Photo: DepositphotosArgentine tango is a form of dance form that originated in the late 19th century in the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, Argentina. It’s characterized by its intricate... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend •
What is there to do this week in Charlotte? A lot! This list includes things to do in Charlotte, and surrounding areas, this week, from Monday to Sunday. You’ll find festivals, live music and dance, kids’ activities, organized hikes, seasonal activities, learning opportunities and so much more. We focus on free and cheap events,... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • The Green at Prosperity Village, 5334 Docia Crossing, is part of the City of Charlotte’s initiative to construct 250 place-making projects across the city. The Green is an open space provided by the City of Charlotte. Programming and activities are organized by the Prosperity Village Area Association. The best ways to keep up on events... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend •
RSVP South End, at 225 Fairwood Avenue, Charlotte, NC, is hosting Country Music Night every Thursday, from 6 p.m. to midnight. Admission is free. The event is currently scheduled every Thursday from May 18 to September 7, 2023. The event includes: Live MusicProfessional Line Dancing Class (from 7 to 8 p.m.)Best Country Outfit...Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • Metropolitan’s music series, Music at the Met, is taking place every Thursday from April 20th to October 5th, 2023, from 6 to 9 p.m. It takes place next to Dressler’s. Do you love outdoor concerts? They’re not just for summer! Make sure to check out HUGE day-by-day list of outdoor concerts around Charlotte. Most are free. ... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend •
Celebrate Cuba’s rich culture at Havana Night on Saturday, June 3, 2023, from 5 to 10 p.m. It takes place in the Boileryard at Camp North End. 300 Camp Road, Charlotte, is the official address of Camp North End, but the parking lot at 1824 Statesville Avenue is the closest one to the Boileryard. There is a lot of parking (all free) all... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • Congrats to our two winners! Both have been emailed and the prize has been sent to them via email. Obscuring their email addresses for privacy. Ange****@gmail.com and Jami****@gmail.com. One of the main reasons that Charlotte on the Cheap reaches so many people is because of word of mouth. We’d like to thank our newsletter subscribers for... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend •
Taste of Charlotte, a three-day festival in Uptown Charlotte, spotlights area restaurants and food vendors. The festival also features three stages of live entertainment, and a kids’ area. After a couple years at Truist Field, it’s returning to Tryon Street in Uptown Charlotte in 2023. It will be on Tryon Street from Trade Street... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • Every Thursday, from May through September, LangTree Lake Norman, 401 Langtree Rd, Mooresville, hosts LangTree Live, a free concert series. The events take place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Do you love outdoor concerts? They’re not just for summer! Make sure to check out HUGE day-by-day list of outdoor concerts around Charlotte. Most are free. ... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • Birkdale Village is hosting an outdoor music series, Live Under the Oaks, on Fridays from April 7th to October 27th, 2023, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This is a free concert series. Birkdale Village is at Birkdale Commons Parkway and Sam Furr Road, Huntersville. A bar will be onsite in the designated area provided by Red Rocks Cafe. Please bring... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • Photo by Ken RiceOn Fridays in the summer Carolina Show Ski Team presents FREE show at Windjammer Park, 8999 Windjammer Drive, Tega Cay, South Carolina. The Carolina Show Ski Team is a competitive and entertainment team. Besides their free weekly shows, they also compete in regional and national tournaments. Check out a big list of free... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend •
Charlotte Spring Carnival will be in the parking lot at 4525 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC, from June 1 to 11, 2023. Weekdays: 5 to 10 p.m.Saturday: 2 to 11 p.m.Sunday: 2 to 10 p.m.The event will feature rides, a petting zoo, games, prizes and fair food. Admission is $5 and rides and games are extra. On June 7, 2023, admission is 2 for... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • Dallas Lavender Lane, at 937 Old Willis School Road, in Dallas, is hosting its fourth annual Lavender Bloom Festival on June 3 and 4, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Find details as they’re announced on Dallas Lavender Lane’s Facebook page. Admission is free. Check out the big list of Charlotte summer festivals! Photo:...Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend •
Haylo Healing Art Lounge, 1111 Central Avenue, is holding its 8th Annual Fire Party on Saturday, June 24, 2023, from 7 p.m. to midnight. It’s free to attend, but the designated charity is Wind River Cancer Wellness Programs and Retreats. Donations are encouraged. The party includes: Fire performersInteractive artistsRitual...Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend •
The Town of Cornelius is presenting an Outdoor Cinema Series in 2023. The movies are free and take place in various parks in Cornelius. Check out this big list of outdoor movies coming up around Charlotte! Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and the movies will begin at dusk, approximately 8:30 p.m. Concessions will be available for purchase. Movies... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • Get ready for the summer with this list of places to swim and splash in the Charlotte area summer of 2023. (Indoor pools are open now!) Read on to learn about indoor and outdoor places to swim in the Charlotte area. We’re focusing on pools and spraygrounds in Charlotte, as well as some other unique outdoor swimming areas that are worth... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend •
The second annual Empanada Fest will take place June 3, 2023 It will be at Camp North End, 1824 Statesville Avenue, Charlotte, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Please note that this is a rescheduled date, due to weather. Admission is free, with food and drink for purchase. Empanadas have a rich culinary heritage spanning many cultures. Each region... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend •
Old Town Public House, 21314 Catawba Avenue in Cornelius, specializes in coffee, espresso, craft beer, fine wines and live music. It’s located in the heart of Old Town Cornelius. There’s no cover for the live music, so make sure to stop by.
Please do tip the musicians, buy a drink, tip the bartender or barista, and maybe buy a CD... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend •
Petty Thieves Brewing Co., at 413 Dalton Avenue, Charlotte, creates craft beers, fueled by passion and imagination. They also host many events, which you can find on their Facebook page. Check out a huge calendar of events at Charlotte breweries. Coming UpFree Live Music in May, 2023: Sunday, June 18, 3 p.m.: Old Time BandCheck... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend •
Food Truck season is in full swing! Every week we’ll update this page with everything we know about Food Truck Friday for the current week!
Somehow food just seems to taste better when it comes from a truck. It can’t be explained. It’s even better when there are lots of trucks to choose from. Do you love outdoor concerts?... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • The first full weekend of every month, Bank of America and Merrill customers get into many museums nationwide for free. Learn about free days at Charlotte museums! These are the museums that are participating. Mint Museum UptownMint Museum RandolphBechtler Museum of Modern ArtLevine Museum of the New SouthHarvey B. Gantt Center...Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • VAPA is a non-profit organization formed in 2021 by ten arts organizations in Charlotte to create a space for artists to create, perform, and exhibit their work. The space, the VAPA Center, opened at 700 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, in March of 2022. The VAPA Center is hosting a wide range of arts events. You can find them listed on their ... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • Black Food Truck Friday is a way to show some support to Black-owned food trucks, artists, retail vendors and more, while enjoying some of the best food in Charlotte.
Follow the Black Food Truck Friday Facebook group for updates, or follow BBOC on Eventbrite. Upcoming Black Food Truck FridaysBlack Food Truck Friday
Friday, June... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend •
Taco Fest Carolinas takes place Saturday, June 3, 2023, from 11 a.m to 5 p.m., at McAlpine Creek Park, 8711 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC. Check out the big list of Charlotte summer festivals! Admission is free, and there is plenty to enjoy, including live shows, cultural displays, games for kids and much more. Of course there will be plenty... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • Photo used with permission of Devil’s Logic BrewingDevil’s Logic Brewing, at 1426 E 4th Street, features a taproom, kitchen, event space, and outdoor patio space. There’s parking on the 1st level in the parking deck across the street. Check out a huge calendar of events at Charlotte breweries. Devil’s Logic... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend •
On Sunday, June 4 2023, the Charlotte Knights are playing the Nashville Sounds at Truist Field, 324 S Mint Street, Charlotte, NC. This is an afternoon game that starts at 1:05 p.m. Courtesy of Oklahoma Joe’s, maker of smokers and grills, this game is Joe-nanza, and is FREE to all people named Joe, Joseph, Joey, JoJo, Josie, or some... Read the whole entry» • Email to a friend • | 